"Rejoice! The Joy of the Shepherd's Candle"

Sermon Title: "Rejoice! The Joy of the Shepherd's Candle" Scripture Focus: Luke 2:8–20 “In the same region, shepherds were staying out in the fields and keeping watch at night over their flock. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid, for look, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people: Today a Savior, who is Messiah the Lord, was born for you in the city of David. This will be the sign for you: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in cloth and lying in a feeding trough.” Suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying: Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to people He favors! When the angels had left them and returned to heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go straight to Bethlehem and see what has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” They hurried off and found both Mary and Joseph, and the baby who was lying in the feeding trough. After s…”

Opening: The Call to Joy in a Time of Waiting "Today, we gather on Gaudete Sunday, the third Sunday of Advent, where the pink candle—the Shepherd's Candle—stands apart on our wreath. Its color calls us to pause and rejoice as we journey toward Christmas. But why pink? Why joy in the midst of a season marked by waiting and preparation? Historically, Advent was a solemn time of fasting and reflection, similar to Lent. By the third week, the Church introduced Gaudete Sunday, a day to celebrate the coming light of Christ and remind the weary of hope.

Think about it: the world Jesus was born into was filled with darkness and uncertainty. Rome ruled with an iron hand, taxing the people heavily. For the Jews, centuries had passed since the last prophetic word. They were waiting for deliverance, yet life seemed to bring only more suffering. Into this context, the angels announced to the shepherds, 'Good news of great joy.' This morning, let’s explore how that joy speaks to us today and how it can transform our waiting, our relationships, and our hope."

Historical Context: The Time of Jesus’ Birth and the Shepherds’ Importance

At the time of Jesus' birth, first-century Judea was under Roman rule. The Roman Empire, known for its vast reach and military strength, dominated the known world, and its presence was deeply felt in Jewish society. Heavy taxation, Roman laws, and a puppet king, Herod the Great, created a tense atmosphere among the Jewish people. They were longing for a Messiah who would free them from Roman oppression and restore Israel's glory. Politically and spiritually, this was a time of great darkness and anticipation. For centuries, there had been no prophetic voice in Israel. The silence since the prophet Malachi left many wondering if God had abandoned them. Yet, the faithful clung to promises of a coming Deliverer foretold in the Hebrew Scriptures.

Shepherds were an unlikely audience for the announcement of such a monumental event. In the social hierarchy of the time, shepherds occupied a low status. Their work required them to spend long periods outdoors, often away from society, which made them ritually unclean according to Jewish law. They were viewed as rough, untrustworthy, and uneducated. Despite their importance to the economy and religious practices—sheep were essential for sacrifices at the Temple—shepherds were marginalized and often looked down upon.

Yet, God chose these humble individuals as the first to hear the good news of Jesus' birth. Their importance lies in what they represent. First, their occupation ties directly to the identity of Christ as the "Good Shepherd" (John 10:11) and the "Lamb of God" (John 1:29), connecting Jesus to the pastoral imagery so central to Israel’s story. Second, their inclusion underscores the theme of God's kingdom: it is for everyone, not just the powerful or privileged. By appearing to shepherds, the angels emphasized that the Messiah’s arrival was not just for kings and priests but for all people, including those society deems unworthy. Their story reminds us that God often works through the humble and overlooked to accomplish His greatest purposes.

Transition from the Opening to Point 1 "As we reflect on the joy symbolized by the pink candle, we’re reminded that joy is not dependent on perfect circumstances. Instead, it’s a deep assurance rooted in God’s presence and promises. But how can we experience joy in the midst of waiting and uncertainty? To answer that, let’s look at the message of Gaudete Sunday and its call to rejoice even before the promise is fully realized."

1. Joy in the Midst of Waiting

Explanation: Historically, Gaudete Sunday’s joy broke the solemnity of Advent. "Gaudete" means "Rejoice!" and echoes Philippians 4:4-5: 'Rejoice in the Lord always; again, I say, Rejoice! The Lord is near.' Even in seasons of waiting—whether for answers, healing, or resolution—we are reminded of the joy that is found in God’s faithful promises.

Historical Context: During the time of Jesus’ birth, Roman oppression was heavy. The Jews longed for the Messiah, clinging to prophecies of a Deliverer. This context of waiting makes the angel’s message of joy even more profound.

Argumentation: Joy isn’t about having perfect circumstances. Instead, it’s rooted in God’s presence and the promise of His deliverance. Just as dawn follows the night, joy arises even in our darkest seasons.

Quote: "Hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things, and no good thing ever dies." —Andy Dufresne, The Shawshank Redemption

Application: Like the Jews under Roman rule, we all have seasons of waiting. Practice gratitude daily as a way to cultivate joy during these times. Look for God’s hand even in the small blessings.

Illustration: Think of It’s a Wonderful Life. George Bailey discovers joy in the people and blessings he once overlooked. Gratitude transforms his despair into celebration, reminding us that joy often comes when we shift our perspective.

Transition from Point 1 to Point 2 "While the message of joy in the midst of waiting is powerful, it becomes even more tangible when we look at how God chose to announce this joy to the world. He didn’t proclaim it to kings or religious leaders but to shepherds—humble, overlooked people. This wasn’t by accident. Let’s explore why the shepherds were chosen and what their story teaches us about God’s joy."

2. The Shepherds: A Story of Unexpected Joy

Explanation: The angelic message of "good news of great joy" (Luke 2:10) came first to shepherds, humble workers who were often viewed as outcasts. This choice highlights the inclusive nature of God’s kingdom.

Quote: "Even the smallest person can change the course of the future." —Galadriel, The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring

Historical Context: Shepherds in first-century Judea were often marginalized, seen as untrustworthy and socially insignificant. Yet God chose them to receive the first proclamation of Christ’s birth, underscoring that joy is for all people, regardless of status.

Argumentation: The shepherds' response—seeking Jesus and sharing the news—shows that joy is meant to overflow. When we encounter Christ, we are called to share His light with others.

Quote: "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth." —Jesus, Matthew 5:5

Application: Look for people in your life who may feel overlooked or undervalued. This week, share God’s love and joy with them through acts of kindness or encouragement.

Illustration: The classic carol The Little Drummer Boy captures this beautifully: a humble boy offers a simple gift to the King. It’s not about the gift’s value but the heart behind it.

Transition from Point 2 to Point 3 "The shepherds’ encounter with the angel and their response to the good news is a beautiful reminder that joy is for everyone, no matter their status or circumstances. But how do we carry that joy with us today? The pink Shepherd’s Candle holds a powerful lesson, symbolizing the light of Christ breaking into our darkness. Let’s consider what this candle teaches us about finding joy even amid challenges."

3. The Pink Candle: A Light in the Darkness

Explanation: The pink candle on our Advent wreath is also called the Shepherd's Candle. Its color reflects joy mingled with hope, symbolizing the light of Christ breaking through the darkness of preparation and waiting.

Quote: "Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light." —Albus Dumbledore, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

Argumentation: Pink, a blend of purple (repentance) and white (celebration), reminds us that joy is not separate from hardship but grows as we draw closer to Christ.

Quote: "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" —Philippians 4:4

Application: This week, reflect on ways you can bring light into someone’s darkness. Perhaps it’s through a word of encouragement, a small act of service, or simply sharing the hope of Christ.

Illustration: The song This Little Light of Mine invites us to let our light shine, a simple yet powerful reminder that small acts of joy can pierce the darkest night.

Transition from Point 3 to Point 4 "As the pink candle reminds us, joy doesn’t erase hardship, but it does give us hope and strength. This hope becomes a reality when we look to Christ, the source of true joy. So how does this joy transform us, and how can we reflect it to the world? The story of the shepherds gives us a glimpse of what happens when we encounter the joy of Christ and let it overflow into our lives."

4. Joy as a Reflection of Christ

Explanation: True joy flows from a relationship with Christ. It’s a deep, abiding sense of peace and hope that transcends circumstances.

Quote: "Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away." —Hitch

Argumentation: The joy of the Lord is our strength (Nehemiah 8:10). It sustains us through trials and empowers us to be a source of hope for others.

Quote: "You can’t stop the beat!" —Hairspray

Application: Share your testimony of joy with someone this week. Reflect on how Christ has been your source of strength and encouragement.

Illustration: In The Pursuit of Happyness, Chris Gardner finds joy even amid hardship, a testimony to the power of hope and perseverance.

Transition from Point 4 to the Closing "The joy that Christ brings isn’t fleeting or shallow—it’s a profound strength that carries us through life’s ups and downs. Like the shepherds, we are called to share this joy with others. So as we prepare to close, let’s reflect on how we can take the message of Gaudete Sunday into the world: rejoicing in Christ and sharing His light with those around us."

Closing: A Call to Rejoice "As we light the pink candle today, let its glow remind us of the joy that is ours in Christ. Joy doesn’t come from perfect circumstances but from knowing that God is with us, that He has come and will come again. Like the shepherds, may we respond to this joy by seeking Jesus and sharing the good news with others.

This week, I challenge you to reflect on where you’ve seen God’s joy in your life and share it with someone who needs encouragement. Let’s live out the message of Gaudete Sunday: Rejoice! For Christ has come, and He is our source of light and joy, even in the waiting. Amen."